News from the College Counsellors

Recently there has been a spotlight in the media on the diabetes drugs Ozempic and Saxenda. This has become a popular topic of discussion among adolescents on TikTok and other socials. Ozempic and Saxenda are traditionally used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. These drugs are also known to reduce appetite to support weight loss. Some influencers and celebrities have been openly posting about using these drugs for weight loss. Doctors warn this medication has potential to cause great harm both in the short and long term.

Side effects of these drugs include:

• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headaches
• Hormone disruption
• Fatigue
• Gallbladder disease, including gallstones or cholecystitis
• Kidney problems
• Pancreatitis
• Increased risk of thyroid cancer
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Malnutrition due to undereating

Ozempic proposes a ‘quick fix’ to body image concerns and promotes the message that ‘thinner is better at any cost’. There is currently no screening for eating disorders when prescribing this medication.

Why are we concerned?

The Butterfly Foundation’s recent 2022 Youth Survey tells us that 90% of young people have some level of concern about their body image and almost 50% of all respondents said social media made them feel dissatisfied with their body. There was a relationship between reporting body dissatisfaction as a result of social media use and also the desire to be thinner/leaner. Body dissatisfaction is related to several adverse outcomes, including poor self esteem and depressive symptoms (Body Kind Youth Survey).

What can you do as parents/carers?

Be a positive role model. Be aware of the effects of negative body talk around your child, about your own body and the bodies of other people. Work on learning to respect your body and modelling a healthy acceptance of your own body shape and size.
Refrain from complaining about body parts you are dissatisfied or unhappy with, or at least, don’t share these thoughts or talk about them in front of your child.

Check in with your daughter

• How do they feel about their body?
• How do they feel when they see certain messages in the media?

Seek help from a healthcare provider or therapist if you or your daughter is worried about body image issues. For further information, you may want to check out Healthline, Body Image – Tips for Better Health. The Healthy Body Series can also be viewed on School TV.

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